The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has initiated an indefinite strike effective Monday, November 2, 2026. This decision comes after the government's failure to approve and implement reviewed salaries for Judicial Service staff. The union declared the strike on Friday, October 30, 2026, after a set deadline elapsed without results. JUSAG has advised court users and the general public to take note, as all Judicial Service staff are expected to stay away from work until their demands are met.
According to JUSAG, the salaries and conditions of service of Judicial Service staff are determined by the President on the advice of the Judicial Council, in accordance with Article 149 and C.I. 141. Regulation 25 provides for an annual review of salaries. In December 2025, the union submitted a proposal to the Judicial Council to aid its advice to the President. Despite reminders and assurances from various quarters, including the 2nd Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Tamale, a Chief Justice staff durbar at the Tema High Court, and the MJG conference at Labadi Beach, no positive results were achieved.
The National Executive Council of JUSAG held an emergency meeting, resolving to demand approval of the Judicial Council's advice on salaries by October 30, 2026, and payment of the approved salary in November 2026, together with arrears from January to October 2026. Failing this, the union would commence an indefinite strike on Monday, November 2. As a law-abiding union, JUSAG notified the National Labour Commission on October 23, 2026, of its intention to strike, and also sent notifications to relevant ministers and officials.
The union expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the matter, citing a lack of commitment from the government. The Minister for Jobs, Labour Relations and Employment was directed by the National Labour Commission to convene a meeting, which was held on November 3, 2026, after the strike took effect. JUSAG noted that this meeting did not include the Office of the President, which has the constitutional authority to approve the salaries.
JUSAG also chanced upon a letter from the Ministry of Finance attempting to address the demands, but it was prepared without the union's input. The union declared the strike, stating that owing to the government's failure to meet the demands, it would commence an indefinite strike starting from Monday, November 2, 2026. By this declaration, all staff of the Judicial Service are expected to stay home until the demands are met.
The union advised persons with cases scheduled for Monday not to show up at the courts, as staff would not be available. JUSAG's decision to strike was made in compliance with its National Executive Council's decision. The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions to judicial activities in Ghana.
The situation remains unresolved, with no indication of an immediate resolution. The Ghanaian government has not made any public statements regarding the strike or potential negotiations with JUSAG. The strike is set to continue until the union's demands are met, and it is unclear when or if an agreement will be reached.
Key points
- JUSAG begins indefinite strike over government's failure to approve and implement reviewed salaries for Judicial Service staff.
- The strike was declared after a set deadline elapsed without results, and the union has advised court users to take note.
- The situation remains unresolved, with no indication of an immediate resolution.
